Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced ham, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced ham, bacon, and pepperoni slices. Stir to combine, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and marinara or pizza sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then layer with the rest of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Top with extra pepperoni slices if desired.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your loaded meat lover’s pizza casserole!
This casserole brings all the best pizza flavors to the table. Enjoy!